The function of the human
immune system is to defend the body against invaders. Microbes (germs or
microorganisms), cancer cells, and transplanted tissues or organs are all
interpreted by a healthy immune system as non-self against which the
body must be defended. Although the immune system is extremely complex, its basic
strategy is simple: to recognize the enemy, mobilize forces, and attack.
See swine flu
for natural treatment inquiries on this epidemic.

Ways to
maintain or boost Immune systemDeep
sleep is one of the most important ways to boost
the immune system. Chronic insomnia
can lead to immune system deficiency. One good way to make sure you sleep
deeper and longer is by taking a long walk each day. Avoid all sodas,
coffee, more than one cup of tea in the morning or day. These drinks can
interfere with sleep and disturb your ability to fight infections.Moderate exercise, at least 3 times a week,
preferably daily walks. Excessive and prolonged physical
activity temporarily reduces the function of the immune system. The negative
impact of intensive training stress on immune function can be minimized
by getting adequate sleep, minimizing psychological stress, avoiding
periods of dietary energy restriction, consuming a well-balanced diet
that meets energy and protein needs, avoiding deficiencies of
micronutrients (particularly iron, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, B6 and
B12), ingesting carbohydrate during prolonged training sessions, and
consuming - on a daily basis - plant polyphenol containing supplements
or foodstuffs and Lactobacillus probiotics.
Avoid excessive sun exposure but have regular exposure to the sun or take at least 400 units of
vitamin D a day. Some people with little or no sun exposure may require
up to 2,000 units a day.
Reduce stress any way you know how. Stress releases the hormone cortisol
which wreaks havoc with the immune system.
Stress of any kind -- emotional, physical, psychological -- quickly damages the
immune system.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. They have flavonoids that have anti-bacterial
and anti-viral
activity. Avoid excessive sugar intake. Consume more garlic, onions, and culinary herbs
such as cloves. Berry fruits are rich sources of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and
organic acids, which have antimicrobial activities against human pathogens.
Among different berries and berry phenolics, acai, cranberry, cloudberry,
elderberry, raspberry,
strawberry and bilberry especially possess clear antimicrobial effects.
Red grapes and blueberries contain compounds called stilbenoids, which
work with vitamin D to increase expression of the human cathelicidin
antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene.
Many mushrooms have immunity enhancing substances
but it is best not to overeat them.
Ingest healthy probiotic bacteria.
These friendly gut bacteriaboost the immune system.
Clin Exp Immunol. 2013. Differential effect on cell-mediated
immunity in human volunteers after intake of different
lactobacilli.
The stimulation of CD8(+) T cells and NK T cells suggests that intake of
probiotic bacteria may enhance the immune defence against, e.g. viral
infections or tumours.
Reduce or eliminate smoking. Keep alcohol consumption low or moderate.
Drink more tea (up to mid
day) - Drinking tea appears to boost the immune system. Non-tea drinkers who downed
two to four small cups of black tea per day for two weeks appeared to be better able to
fight off bacterial infections. As an explanation for tea's benefits, experiments in the
lab revealed that an ingredient found in black, green, oolong and pekoe teas boosted the
ability of immune system cells to attack a bacterial invader. The experiments used
ethylamine, which is produced when the tea ingredient L-theanine is broken down in the
liver.
Get a massage. Massage therapy reduces
cortisol levels.
Pray, meditate, listen to music, or find a way to still your mind.
Do yoga, or relaxed breathing and stretching, at least once or twice a week.

Herbs and nutrients that
influence or boost the Immune system
On this page I mention certain herbs and nutrients that have an influence. I wish to emphasize that the research in this area
is quite incomplete and we need to learn much more before making any
definitive recommendations. As a general rule it is best to use these
immune system booting herbs for a limited time or with breaks, as opposed
to uninterrupted daily use for months and years. Too high a dosage or
taking these herbs for too long without a break may actually reduce
immunity or have positive or negative effects that we are not yet
familiar with. Please realize that
fruits (for instance berries) and vegetables contain many natural
antimicrobial agents. There are countless supplements involved in supporting
or boosting a healthy immune system, at least initially. The ones mentioned here are only a
small fraction. You can visit each site to learn more. If you have an
immune system deficiency or a weak immune system, discuss with your health
care provider before taking any of these immune system supplements for
prolonged periods. Also, please keep in mind that the term "boosting" is
not a scientific term. The immune system is incredibly complicated and
while certain aspects of it may be enhanced by a particular herb or
dietary supplement, another aspect of it may be harmed. This whole issue
is extremely complicated and it is very very difficult, practically
impossible, to measure all the various factors and influences and the
outcome from the use of the medicinal herbs and mushrooms. There are
countless types of immune cells, globulins, hormones, different kinds of
proteins and other substances that have an influence and it is nearly
impossible to measure all their interactions and effects on the body
over time. Each person is different depending on their genetics, diet,
lifestyle factors, environment, sleeping habits, etc.

Flavonoids -- Most flavonoids, including
Quercetin, have anti-germ activity.
Quercetin also has Vision
enhancing properties, along with
bilberry. Colostrum has
immune influencing compounds that could boost the immune system in certain
individuals. Purchase or see
Colostrumsupplement information.Garlic bulb has many medicinal
properties, including anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral..Vitamin C is known as
ascorbic acid
Vitamin D supplementation is helpful to those who do not get enough sun
exposure.Vitamin E natural complex
is preferable to synthetic dl alpha tocopherolZinc mineral is
particularly important who are zinc deficient or have a diet which
provides little amounts of this mineral.Andrographis has become popular in Scandinavia for use during winter upper respiratory
infections. Astragalusis used by traditional Chinese doctors to stimulate the immune system.
In a test tube study,
Astragalus
was found to have anti herpes
simplex virus activity.
Beta glucan
-- one mouse study shows daily ingestion of
Beta-Glucan
may offset the increased
risk of upper respiratory infection associated with stress.Cat's Claw(Uncaria tomentosa or Una do Gato) is a medicinal plant from
the Amazon River basin that is widely used for inflammatory disorders.
Cat's Claw is found in
Joint Power Rx.
This product contains glucosamine and chondroitin.Echinacea
plant extract is widely used for upper respiratory tract
infections.
Elderberry has a number of important compounds including anthocyanins
which are powerful antioxidants and
have immune system boosting properties. Goldenseal herb
is often used as an immune system enhancing herbOlive leaf extract (Olea europaea)
contains several flavonoids
including apigenin,
luteolin, chrysoeriol,
hesperidin,
rutin, quercetin, and
kaempferol. Major isolated
constituents in
Olive-Leaf-Extract
strongly inhibit the classical pathway of the complement
system.Oregano -- Numerous laboratory and animal studies indicate oregano has immune system stimulating effects, blood
sugar control properties, antioxidant, and anti-fungal, anti-parasite, and anti-bacterial activities.
Probiotics including
acidophilus
and bifidobacterium --
Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms that (when ingested) have a
beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of specific medical
conditions. These microorganisms are believed to exert biological effects
through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance, whereby the
indigenous anaerobic flora limits the concentration of potentially harmful
(mostly aerobic) germs in the digestive tract. Prebiotics have also been
found to be of benefit in reducing the odds of catching a cold or flu. Propolis from bee
hives. Propolis supplement
is sold over the counter.

Mushrooms and extracts
AgaricusAHCC -- Active Hexose-correlated
Compound - AHCC - is a mushroom extract that has been
tested as an immune enhancing, liver protective and anti-cancer agent.
Cordyceps could be of benefit.
Maitake mushroom or extract could be of benefit.Reishi is a the
common medicinal Chinese
herb, a fungus with a variety of biological activities. Reishi
has long been used as a folk remedy for promotion of health and longevity
in China and other oriental countries. The most attractive character of
this kind of medicinal fungus is its effect on the immune system and
anti-tumor activities.

Vitamins that lower
immune system functionsExcess vitamin A can reduce immune function.

Nutrient intake and immune function of elderly
subjects.J Am Diet Assoc. 2008.Food intake, aging, and immune function share complex influences.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine relationships between
nutrient intakes from food and dietary supplements and a biomarker of
immune function. Selenium, sodium, DHA, EPA, and vitamin A intake from
diet and supplements were associated with better immune response. Excess
vitamin A intake was associated with worse immune response.

Prevention of infectionProper washing with regular soap and water works just fine
to prevent the spread of germs and there is no clear evidence that antibacterial
soaps, wipes and other products are any better.

Common words used to describe parts of the immune system
Antibody: A protein, made by B lymphocytes, that reacts with a specific antigen.Antigen: Any molecule capable of stimulating an immune response.Cell: The smallest living unit of tissue, composed of a nucleus and
cytoplasm surrounded by a membrane. The nucleus houses DNA, and the cytoplasm contains
structures (organelles) that carry out the cell's functions.Immunoglobulin: A synonym for antibody.Leukocyte: A white blood cell. Lymphocytes and neutrophils, among others,
are leukocytes.Lymphocyte: The main immune cell of the lymphatic system, further categorized as
B lymphocytes (which produce antibodies) and T lymphocytes (which help the body
distinguish self from nonself).Macrophage: A large cell that engulfs (ingests) microbes after they have
been targeted for destruction by the immune system.Molecule: A group (aggregation) of atoms chemically combined to form a
unique chemical substance.Natural killer cell: A type of lymphocyte that can kill certain microbes
and cancer cells.Neutrophil: A large white blood cell (leukocyte) that ingests antigens
and other substances.Peptide: Two or more amino acids chemically bonded to form a single
molecule.Protein: A large number of amino acids chemically bonded in a chain.
Proteins are large peptides.Receptor: A molecule on the cell surface or in the cytoplasm that fits
another molecule like a lock and key

The Lymphatic part of the
Immune SystemThe immune system maintains its own system of circulation--the lymphatic
vessels--which permeates every organ in the body except the brain. The lymphatic vessels
contain a pale, thick fluid (lymph) consisting of a fat-laden liquid and white blood
cells.

Along the lymphatic vessels are special areas--the lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow,
spleen, liver, lungs, and intestines--where lymphocytes can be recruited, mobilized, and
deployed to appropriate sites as part of the immune response. The ingenious design of this
system ensures the ready availability and quick assembly of an immune response anywhere it
is needed. This system can be seen at work when a wound or an infection in a fingertip
leads to an enlarged lymph node at the elbow, or when a throat infection causes the lymph
nodes under the jaw to swell. The lymph nodes swell because the lymphatic vessels drain
the infection by carrying it to the nearest area where an immune response can be
organized.

SSRIs, serotonin, and the
immune system
Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft, which affect a brain chemical called
serotonin, also influence the body's immune system. Prozac and Zoloft belong to
a group of drugs called selective
serotonin reuptake
inhibitors or "SSRIs," which are thought to combat depression by causing
serotonin to linger longer at nerve junctions. Serotonin also works as a
signaling molecule between certain immune cells such as dendritic cells and T
cells. The findings indicate that dendritic cells can pick up serotonin at sites
of inflammation and then pass it to T cells, which influences their growth and
division into new cells. Treatment with the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine)
blocked this serotonin uptake. Further research is needed to better understand
how SSRIs might affect the immune system, whether for the better or worse.

Immune system and employment
Have a career that satisfies you. The
stress of unemployment may dampen healthy people's immune system function -- but
the good news is that finding a job can restore its fighting power.

Immune System Research clinical trials
Older men who exercise regularly may
not only keep themselves in good shape, they may also give their immune systems
a boost. Physically active seniors who were injected with a protein to provoke
an immune system reaction mounted an immune response similar to that seen in men
half their age. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle may prevent or slow
age-associated decline in immune function.
Erythromycin, a widely used antibiotic long considered safe
dramatically increases the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly when taken with
some popular drugs for infections and high blood pressure.

Washing hands with soap can halve the number of young
children suffering from pneumonia, the leading killer of youngsters under 5
years old worldwide. It can also greatly reduce cases of diarrhea and the skin
infection impetigo.

The aging process can lead to a decline in immune
function. In an article published in the December 2001 issue of the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, thirty healthy elderly volunteers participated in a 3-stage dietary supplementation trial lasting 9
weeks. During stage 1, subjects consumed low-fat milk for 3 weeks as a base-diet
control. During stage 2 (intervention), they consumed milk supplemented with bifidobacteria for 3 wk. During stage 3 (washout), they again consumed low-fat
milk for 3 weeks. The results showed an increase in the ability of white blood
cells to attack organisms or kill tumor cells after bifidobacterium consumption. Dr. Sahelian says: bifidobacteria and other
probiotics may be an effective dietary supplement for enhancing some aspects of
the immune system in the elderly.

Methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus is a microbe found naturally on the skin of healthy
people. It is a particular threat to patients whose immune system is weakened
and is particularly dangerous in hospitals. This bug has become resistant to
some of the most advanced drugs ever made, but researchers found garlic reduces
its effectiveness in the body. Other research suggests garlic may work against
fungal infections and parasites, and that it may increase the body's resistance
to viruses, including the common cold.

Practical recommendations for immune-enhancing diets.
J Nutr. 2004 .
Immune system -enhancing diets contain nutrients that have putative benefits, including arginine, n-3 fats, glutamine, nucleotides, and structured lipids. Although
under most circumstances the systemic inflammatory response is beneficial to the
host, improving the eventual outcome of injury, infection, or inflammation,
excessive proinflammation (leading to cardiac, hepatic, and mitochondrial
dysfunction) or excessive counterinflammation (leading to immune depression) can
worsen outcome. In critically ill septic patients, the synthesis of arginine can
be exceeded by its catabolism to nitric oxide (NO) and urea, rendering arginine
conditionally essential. In septic patients,
supplemental arginine might further increase NO levels and be potentially
harmful through excessive proinflammation. However, administration of increased
amounts of arginine might improve immune function in surgical and trauma
patients by increasing NO production in macrophages. When the diet provides at
least 1 g of the (n-3) fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid
combined, 2-series eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes) are
replaced partially by 3-series eicosanoids, and 4-series leukotrienes are
replaced partially by 5-series leukotrienes that are less proinflammatory. Thus,
the effects of arginine and (n-3)-fat supplementation might be expected to be
complementary-arginine might improve cytokine and NO production in patients with
immunodepression, whereas (n-3) fats might be beneficial when there is excessive
proinflammation, particularly when supplemental arginine is supplied, by
reducing cytokine-induced eicosanoid production.

Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of
Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms.
Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004.
Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal fungus with a variety of biological
activities. Reishi has long been used as a folk remedy for promotion of health
and longevity in China and other oriental countries. The most attractive
character of this kind of medicinal fungus is its effect on the immune system
and anti-tumor activities. Large numbers of studies have shown that reishi
modulates many components of the immune system such as the antigen-presenting
cells, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes. The water extract and the polysaccharides
fraction of reishi exhibited significant anti-tumor effect in several
tumor-bearing animals mainly through its immune system enhancing activity.
Recent studies also showed that the alcohol extract or the triterpene fraction
of reishi possessed anti-tumor effect, which seemed to be related to the
cytotoxic activity against tumor cells directly. Preliminary study indicated
that antiangiogenic effect may be involved antitumor activity of reishi.

Exposure to Bacteria
Shopping cart handles are the most bacteria-infested items among
some commonly used objects while doorknobs on public bathrooms are not as
bad as might be expected. The Korea Consumer Protection Board tested six
items that are commonly handled by the public and ran tests for their
bacteria content.
Shopping cart handles led the way with 1,100 colony-forming units of
bacteria per 1.55 sq inches followed by a mouse used on computers in
Internet cafes, which had an average of 690 colony-forming units. Hand
straps on buses were next with 380 units, followed by bathroom doorknobs
at 340. Rounding out the list were elevator buttons at 130 colony-forming
units and hand straps on subways at 86. Washing hands with soap removes
almost all of the bacteria.

emails
Q. There has been lots of news about the potential "bird flu" epidemic
that could explode in the US. Is there anything people can do to possibly
counter it with natural supplements? Perhaps to strengthen one's immune
system? Does Dr. Sahelian plan to write about it in his newsletter?
A. At this time, we don't have any specific information
on how to fight bird flu naturally except for the usual steps to enhance
one's immune system as mentioned on this web page. But if we do find
something, we will mention it.

Q. When someone takes foods or supplements that
are said to improve the immune system, such as ginseng, noni or spirulina,
is there an increase in the number of white blood cells in the body? And
if so wouldn't this register in blood tests as an increase in the "white
blood cell count, and therefore lead doctors to think that there could be
an infectious process going on? (I don't exactly don't know how this works
so I'm really not sure). Thanks much.
A. This is a good question. The immune system is
extremely complex. It involves not only white blood cells, but several
other types of cells and countless chemical substances. Different herbs
and substances have different effects on the immune system, and the same
supplement could have a different effect on different people. Plus, the
dose could influence the outcome. The same herb may stimulate some aspects
of the immune system at one dosage and inhibit it a a different dosage.
Also, there could be some short term stimulation but if taken for
prolonged periods there could be interference. There are so many factors
involved that it is nearly impossible to predict how well a supplement
works to enhance the immune system unless it is studied by itself in
varying dosages for varying time periods in a large group of people of
different ages. If an herb does elevate white blood cell counts, it is
unlikely that most will elevate it to a degree that would be of concern.

When using immune boosting supplements like astragalus, medicinal mushrooms, etc., is it OK to take them at the same
time or is it better to alternate, say 2 months using Astragalus, then 2
months using medicinal mushrooms, etc.? I've read different things. Some
say one's body can "get use to" a supplement and it may not be utilized as
it's meant to be. Others say it's OK to combine them because they are,
actually, like food and can boost the immune system.
Every single person has a unique and extremely
complicated immune system that changes on a daily basis depending on a
number of factors including diet, sleep, stress, etc. It is impossible to
predict which regimen is most effective, but, as a general rule, I prefer
not taking a particular immune booster more than a week at a time without
a break.

What's the role of a glyconutrient and the immune
system? Can glyconutrients boost the immune system.
I have a full discussion on
glyconutrients
here.

I would like to know how to boost immune system,
or supplements to take if you are a cancer survivor. I recently had a
small tumor removed that was found to be b-cell lymphoma. All scans and
labs show that it is gone completely and my doctor has said that there is
no need for chemo. My question is what supplements would help to avoid any
recurrence? Which would boost my NK cells and my immune system as a whole?
Besides the basics like vitamin C and E, Astragalus etc., I have read
about medicinal mushrooms, Graviola, Iscador from Germany and many more. I
would love to hear the good Doctor's opinion.
Each person's case is unique, and it is impossible to predict
how a person's immune response will boost or respond to different
supplements since there is such a wide possibility of interaction between
other dietary factors, sleep patterns, stress, other supplements used,
dosage of supplements, timing of supplement taken, other medicines used,
physical activity level, climate, season, etc.

Do you carry an immune system formula? Are any of
these effective for
avian flu?
Since each person's immune system is unique, and since certain
herbs may boost the immune system in the short term and have unknown
effects in the long term, is it difficult to create an immune system
formula that would be of benefit to a large number of users. See also
information at
flu vaccine.

I work for Prevention magazine. We had one of our
readers send us a question, and we'd like to get an expert answer. The
question is, "Is there any supplement to boost immunity during times of
high stress?"
The most important factors that improve immunity include an
overall healthy diet, moderate exercise, and getting a deep sleep. As to
supplements, there are many that could be considered and each nutrition
expert has their favorites. Some of these include bovine colostrum which
has immunoglobulins, garlic pills, certain mushrooms and extracts such
as cordyceps and beta glucan, simple vitamins such as vitamin C, herbs
such as oregano, astragalus and andrographis, and probiotics. It is
difficult to know in any one individual which supplement or combination
would be helpful, and in what dosages. I would suggest trying each one
separately for a week or two and to not take more than 3 or 4 at any one
time. It is a good idea to take breaks from the use of herbal
supplements.

You provide very impressive responses in the categories I
have browsed, confidence boosting and a valuable quick check as to
whether or not medical research has been done in an area.
Congratulations. ( In fact I have emailed the link to my daughter, a
busy medical doctor!). My question is regarding immune boosting and
immune dampening, both of which seem to be needed by people with
autoimmune disorders. If a person is trying to "dampen" an inflammatory
immune response with appropriate supplements, as in a Hashimoto's / CFS
flare , would it be 'contradictory' in one's body to then continue
taking one's daily immune "boosting" supplementation, or say, to add in
boosts such echinacea, andrographis, astragalus when one feels a cold
coming on? This is a real dilemma to me! Meanwhile, I have subscribed to
your newsletter.
This is a good question. Most likely, if the herbs are being
used for a few days or a week or two, I don't suspect there would be any
problems using them in those who have autoimmune conditions. However,
problems may potentially arise if they are used for prolonged periods.

I like from you is recommending some supplement,
preferably natural, which I can take throughout my life which will
support and build my immune system, and like some people say for SUN
CHLERELLA and APRICOT SEEDS, these kill the cancer cells, I want
something like this, if you can guide me I will be very obliged and
thankful to you,
I can't give specific advice since each person is different,
has a different body chemistry, different diet, activity level,
environment they live in, etc.

Our son has low immunoglobulin IGA, IGG, and IGM do
you have anything that could help him?
A doctor has to examine the whole patient and review all
studies before making specific recommendations. It is not a wise idea to
make recommendations based solely on results of selective testing.

Do you know of any treatment for d. fragilis? I'm
scared the doctor is going to throw an antibiotic at my 7-year old
grandson who has an already very damageds gut.
Dientamoeba fragilis is a single celled parasite found in the
gastrointestinal tract of some humans. In some people it causes
gastrointestinal upset while in others it does not. One has to evaluate
the whole person before giving any suggestions and we can't based on
this limited info.

I have a question about taking adaptogenic herbs,
medicinal mushrooms and supplements to prevent cancer and fight
disease...I am Really ignorant about how the body works and don't know
if there are any markers to check for ? how much does it take to
overstimulate the immune system and actually promote disease ?So many
substances in combination are used for their synergistic effect. How do
we know the when its enough?
The whole issue is extremely complicated and it is very very
difficult, practically impossible, to measure all the various factors
and influences and the outcome from the use of the medicinal herbs and
mushrooms.